2017: A Declaration

Normally I wait until the end of the year to hash it out, but I’m feeling really serious about you, so I wanted to get off on the right foot. 2015 and 2016 were kind of a drag, so I’m expecting a lot out of you. We’re a few days in and I already know you’re going to be good. I’ve planned all my races and set all my goals. Thanks to 2015 and 2016, your less kind siblings, I’ve learned where I need work and where I kick ass. I’ve learned a ton more, but we’ve talked about that enough. I’m ready to move on.

I’m also ready to learn. To learn how to be a better parent, how to be a better teacher and practitioner. I’m ready to learn how to relax and take care of myself too. I’m ready to ask for help when I need it and I’m willing to admit that that doesn’t make me less capable, it just makes me human. This may be my biggest challenge in 2017, but, like I said, I’m ready.

When I look around on social media I notice a trend – I see more people standing up and stating undeniably that this year they will kick some ass. So, to those of you standing, I’m with you. Let’s collectively get our shit together and take back our lives. No more saying “tomorrow” or “I’ll do that when: I have more time, more resources, more money…” more, whatever. You fill in the blank, you know what’s holding you back. If you aren’t standing yet, but you’re flirting with the idea, ask yourself “why?” If there’s one thing I’ve learned since I’ve had kids is that time doesn’t slow down, it speeds its nasty self up. Each day that passes is a day lost and at some point you’re going to discover that there are more days behind you than in front. So, stand up. I’m with you.

Last year around this time I wrote this:

“In the hip world, they call it a tribe. Like-minded people going the same direction with the same intention. I really think to make it through the end of January and beyond with your resolutions (ahem, goals) intact, you need a tribe. You need the support of people willing to do what they can to help you succeed. You’re worth that. So, go out there and surround yourself with people who want to see you achieve your grandest plans, people who want to watch you soar to nose-bleed heights. Find people who are reaching for their own set of stars so you can find inspiration in each other when shit gets rough. Because you know it’s going to. It always does.”

I have never believed in this more than I do today. So, in light of all the divisive craziness that’s gone on in this country in the last few months, the least we can do is decide to stand together. So, I say it again: I’m with you.

Now let’s go kick some 2017 ass (sorry 2017, I mean this in the kindest way possible). Let's do it together. Because I’m ready. Are you?